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Banged-up Colts look to remain unbeaten against Colts

Oct 7, 2007 - 10:30 AM Tampa Bay (3-1) at Indianapolis (4-0) Sunday 4:05 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- A pair of banged-up teams clash Sunday at the RCA Dome when the Indianapolis Colts entertain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Colts turned in their most impressive performance of the season in last week's 38-20 win over the Denver Broncos, scoring touchdowns on five of their six trips inside the red zone.

Indianapolis improved to 4-0 for the third straight season, but the win came at a price as six players suffered injuries.

Rob Morris, the Colts' starting strong-side linebacker, suffered a knee injury and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. He is scheduled to undergo surgery. "Everybody feels nothing but gratitude for all the great things he's done for this franchise and we all wish him well," Colts president Bill Polian said. "Hopefully, the surgery will be a success and he'll be back ready to go next year. He's as good as it gets."

Morris was one of six players shaken up against the Broncos, a list that includes wide receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) and running back Joseph Addai (shoulder). The status of those players will be determined later in the week.

Tampa Bay's injuries are more season as the Buccaneers lost leading rusher Cadillac Williams and starting left tackle Luke Petitgout to season-ending knee injuries in last week's 20-7 win over the Carolina Panthers.

"Obviously, we lost two key members of our football team for the season," Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden. "That's a big blow. They're great guys. We have some people that need to step up now."

There is nothing wrong with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who threw three TDs against the Broncos and ranks sixth in the NFL in passing.

Harrison caught only one pass for eight yards before being knocked out of the game, while Addai, the leagus's No. 3 rusher, ran for 136 yards before leaving in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury.

The Colts completed their third straight undefeated September and have won 38 of their last 46 regular season games.

Indianapolis will test a Tampa Bay defense that could be regaining its identity after slipping to 21st last season.

The Buccaneers allowed just 13 first downs and 236 yards of offense against Carolina, coming within 23 seconds of a shutout.